Pocket flashlight

Abstract

The simple switch of a small pocket flashlight consists of a single spring wire conductor extending from the center post positive terminal diagonally downwardly across the insulating body separating the two cells toward the uncovered metal can negative terminal of the other cell. When pressure is applied through the flexible nonconductive flashlight jacket, the wire conductor is brought into contact with the metal can negative terminal of the other cell to close the series circuit through the cells and lamp. In opening and closing the switch, bending of the wire conductor is limited to the portion remote from the positive terminal contact end by a fulcrum formed by a bend in the wire and engaging the insulating body between the two cells.

I claim: 
     
       1. In a flashlight comprising first and second dry cells spaced apart in upright position and supported by a body of insulating material, each said cell having a center post positive terminal at the top thereof and an exposed metal can negative terminal, a lamp connected in series between said positive terminal of said first cell and said negative terminal of said second cell, switching means comprising a spring wire conductor connected at one terminus thereof to said positive terminal of said second cell and extending diagonally downwardly over said insulating body toward said first cell, the free end of said spring wire conductor being normally spaced from said exposed metal can negative terminal, and a flexible jacket covering said cells and switching means through which said spring wire conductor may be pressed inwardly to bring said free end of said spring wire conductor into electrical engagement with said exposed metal can negative terminal, the improvement in said switching means comprising a bend in said spring wire conductor forming a fulcrum approximately midway between said terminus and said free end of said spring wire conductor to engage said insulating body and limit the bending of said spring wire conductor essentially to the portion thereof between said fulcrum and said free end thereof when said spring wire conductor is pressed inwardly to engage said negative terminal of said first cell to light said flashlight.